Prince George's County, Maryland, USA
County courtroom interior view
Interior Nat Harbor

Conviction & Sentencing Integrity Unit

Overview

The Conviction & Sentencing Integrity Unit (CSIU) of the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office was the first of its kind in Maryland. The Unit reviews cases where new evidence raises questions about the validity of a conviction or where a sentence may no longer be appropriate due to changed circumstances.

CSIU evaluates each case individually, focusing on fairness, public safety, and the integrity of the justice system.

What We Do

The Unit reviews cases involving:

  • New or newly discovered evidence that may impact a conviction
  • Sentences that appear excessive or no longer appropriate
  • Changed circumstances, including demonstrated rehabilitation

Each review considers:

  • The nature and severity of the offense
  • The individual’s role in the crime
  • Mitigating factors at the time of the offense
  • Conduct, growth, and rehabilitation while incarcerated

Where appropriate, the Office may take action to support sentence modification or release.

Focus on Juvenile Cases

CSIU places particular emphasis on individuals convicted as juveniles and sentenced to life or lengthy terms of incarceration.

Advances in neuroscience and evolving legal standards recognize that juveniles have diminished culpability due to ongoing brain development, including reduced capacity for risk assessment and impulse control.

As reflected in rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court and Maryland courts, individuals convicted as juveniles must have a meaningful opportunity for sentence review unless they are deemed permanently incorrigible.

Pathways to Relief

While legal barriers can be significant, the Office pursues multiple avenues to achieve just outcomes, including:

  • Participation in Reentry Court programs
  • Supervised release through structured reentry initiatives
  • Sentence modifications to accelerate parole eligibility
  • Judicial sentence review by the original sentencing judge or successor

In all cases, victims are notified and consulted as part of the process.

Impact

Through this work, CSIU has helped secure the release of individuals who have demonstrated meaningful rehabilitation and are now successfully reintegrating into the community.

Contact Us

For more information about the CSIU, please contact:

Chief Sadia Headshot

ASA Sadia Noah-Hope
Chief, Conviction & Sentencing Integrity Unit
SINHope@co.pg.md.us